try the above paint suggestion and think about adding paneling to the expose bar end and turn under the dark counter. It will be easier to wash off those shoe marks when kids kick, and you won't have clash if you maybe painted paneling same as wall. Test paint with poster board and see if you like it first. Lighting can really make a difference in the perception of colors, and might fix the "clash". Try warm or cold colored bulbs in those pot lights, and see what happens. good luck

That's a fabulous idea. I don't like that front board but it's lacquered to coordinate with the cupboards, so ot couldn't be painted . I could keep the stools and improve the hated kickboard. That would be a double win. Although a lower back would be nice. I kind of like those white lattice designer ones, would they be too busy?

I would wait for the rug, until you have the shutters up and your furniture placed..it may take on a character of its own and you'll want to compliment. My first thought though was to coordinate with your kitchen and incorporate some black, with a black/beige stripped rug, which would be fun with the wallpaper and perhaps paint your chairs black, add the shutters and you could paint the window trim black and add a large black chandelier.

Pressed metal splashbacks are so rare! This is the first photo I've seen with a splashback like this and I'm really enjoying it.